Dear Friend,

You've heard us say this before: The North Carolina General Assembly is threatening to overturn Governor Bev Perdue's veto of a bill that would fast track natural gas development on land — before considering critical clean water, health and other environmental safeguards.

Yes, we've fought off previous attempts to fast track shale gas development, but legislators meet for another special session on Thursday, February 16th — and they're counting votes (again) to see if they can pass an ill-conceived drilling bill. Our legislators do not have enough information to responsibly develop policies for shale gas exploration in North Carolina. Once again, we need you to step in and stop this nonsense. 

Please send an email urging your state representative and Speaker of the House Thom Tillis to postpone passing any laws allowing natural gas drilling until the state has the regulations in place to protect our health and natural resources. North Carolina doesn't need S709.

More Information

Drilling for natural gas on land usually involves a technique called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," in which potentially toxic chemicals are mixed with large quantities of water and sand and injected into the ground at extremely high pressure.

Without proper safeguards, natural gas production can contaminate drinking water and increase air pollution in local communities.

Instead of carefully considering these risks, S709 throws caution to the wind and would fast track drilling in North Carolina.

As if this all weren't enough, S709 would also dramatically weaken the state's Energy Policy Council by reducing its members from 16 to 12 and slashing in half the number of public interest representatives who look out for the environment and local communities. 

Help us sustain the veto of S709, an outrageous and reckless bill. 

Please email your state reps today.

Thank you for your activism and support,

Jane Preyer
Regional Director
Environmental Defense Action Fund